Midwestern Hawk

Agree, it was schemes and play-calling and I would add in QB development. We refused to use #5, #22, and #33 the way they should have been used and we managed to turn Kett into a disaster at QB by the final game. Just refused to use TE's and to use the above RB's to their strengths consistently. What OC would not have been up all night trying to figure out ways to get #22 the ball in space 10 times a game. Do the KC Chiefs run Tyreek Hill into the line 5-10 times a game and then wonder why they can't score?

This seemed to be a problem for this defense at times all season.

I don't disagree with your characterization of Bubba. We also have to remember the team was 6-5(6-4 vs FCS) with an offense that was somewhere between bad and terrible, especially as the season was nearing its end. With an average offense we are 8-3 and with a GOOD offense we are 10-1?

I would have to think there must have been some dissension on the staff.

To think that Bubba and co really want to win one game over another is silly. Will there be more emotion for NDSU, of course, but more emotion does not always translate into a better product on the field.

Plenty of pieces if the staff can add the value that is needed. It will come down to coaching as most football does.

That can’t be accurate.....there is only one MVFC team on the schedule.

Looking back, I'm not so sure the season didn't change drastically at Idaho. Defense creates turnover on the first play or close to it and gives UND ball deep inside UI territory. If we punch that in, is it likely Idaho caves and we win by 20+? The bad part of that scenario is we probably win at NAU, are 8-3, in the playoffs and Rudy and Knauf are still on the staff for one more season.

So hard to know at this point. NDSU and EWU will be very good, after that its a crap shoot.

I agree, the body language on the sideline and on the field grew worse and worse as that game wore on. The punt ended the game. I am not so sure this hasn't been happening on the team for weeks. Second half offensive scoring: MVSU - 14 UW - 0 SHSU - 7 ISU - 0 UNC - 14 UM - 7 SStU - 27 WSU - 3 UI - 10 PSU - 3 NAU -6 91 second half points. 8 games where it was 7 or less after the opposing defense made their adjustments. We still won 6 games and should have won 7. Crazy.

You might be correct, but I think signaling to the team we were willing to try would have provided a spark. Put in Boltman, at least I have heard he is a actual threat to run.

Agreed on Leach being the bright spot. Specials have to be a net positive next season with no blocked punts and 90% FG inside of 45. Offense has nowhere to go but up overall, replacing Brady and John will be easier because they were used so poorly. Johannesson needs to become much more durable. OL could be heads and tails better with off-season development and better coaching. Hopefully one of the QB's steps forward and gives us above average QB play in every game. New OC will recognize the fact we do have TE's and they can catch passes. Defense need DL depth but has the potential to be really good. Need Ott back healthy and 25 lbs heavier, Morrison and Seguin with big offseasons. Hearing Ray Haas is back practicing. Could be a monster coming off the edge if he is focused. Combining Haas with Rodgers, Turner and Larson could make for a great set of LB'ers. DB's should also be really good with a great set of returners led by Holm. Overall we need much better off season S&C than we traditionally get.

The punt there was unconscionable to me. Bubba was signaling he had more confidence in the defense scoring than the offense getting 3 yards.

The problem for me in that situation is momentum. The series before the defense creates a turnover after the offense and specials gave NAU unbelievable field position at UND 30. 3 plays and 1:44 later the offense has bombed again and the d is back out there again. No qb change, nothing different. When we punted, Bubba was signaling the game and season was over.

Why does S&C receive so little attention in all of this? There seems to be very little physical development of players after they arrive.

I guess Bubba finally grew tired of a run off tackle, followed by a pitch out wide, followed by Kett in shotgun falling to the ground.

I would certainly agree over the last half of the season. If Rudy was trying to "throw" the games I am not sure he could have done a better job.

Changes needed to be made after last season. No way. Remember the scenario. NAU takes over at UND 30 and UND defense forces a TO on the first frickin' play and returns it to the NAU 48. 3 plays for 7 yards. We punt it back for a net gain of 21 yards. The game was over at that point.

Has the offense ever been above average or even average under Rudy? Even in 2016 defense set up a lot of scores and scored alot of points.

This is important. I would say with our lack of development in so many areas and injuries, changes are need here.

S&C and specials need upgrades too.

Too bad this was not in 2017. With the correct hires would still be playing with a seed.

I am told the screen passes were on the backside of Rudy's play call sheet. On the front at NAU was only dive play and kett with a 5 step drop.

This photo breaks my heart. What a monumental waste.

If Rudy gets Santiago the ball in space 10 times a game he will take at least 2 to the house. The play-calling and scheme was almost unreal. Maybe in the future we will just recruit 3 backs better than, John, Brady and James.